June 2017

Having my own business, it breaks my heart seeing restaurants on voucher websites, as I know how much commission they must pay, and how tight margins are already. However, as a consumer, who doesn’t love a good offer, and it’s a great way to try somewhere new or places normally above the budget. So once again, I’ve scoured the websites and brought you some beauties. This time, they all come from thetaste.ie as the other usual suspects i.e. Groupon, Living Social etc. are getting a tad repetitious shall we say in their offerings. So on the note, here are some I think you’ll like to try in the weeks ahead:

L’ECRIVAIN
OK, I’ve gone proper posh here, but everyone should have a Michelin starred dinner at least once in their lives. Situated on Baggot Street, and run by Derry Clarke, this stylish restaurant has held a Michelin star for the last 14 years. The Taste offer gives 3 courses from their Summer Dinner Menu with tea or coffee and petit fours for 2 people for only €75, which would normally cost a princely €150. The Summer Menu offers among other dishes: Fois Gras, Aged Wicklow Lamb, and Raspberry Panacotta. (OK, OK, they would be my choices :-)) You can have a goo of the full summer menu and buy the offer hereRestaurant Website: http://lecrivain.com/

SUESEY STREET (seen above)
I can’t personally vouch for the supper club, but I can vouch for Suesey Street – the French-inspired food and decor are truly top notch. Managed by John Healey from TV3’s The Restaurant, the eatery is situated on the Leeson Street end of Fitzwilliam Place. With live jazz music in the background, the supper club offers 4 course dinner for two people with a bottle of wine for only €69. My picks would be the Toonsbridge Burrata, followed by Suckling Pig Belly & Confit Squid, and finished off with Strawberry Cheesecake. Or maybe the Whipped Dark Chocolate with Caramelised Banana. Decisions, decisions! Seriously, for such great quality food, wine, and the addition of live jazz, this is a ridiculously good offer. Peruse the menu and check out the offer deets hereRestaurant Website: http://www.sueseystreet.ie/

HUGO’SI’m very fond of Hugo’s on Merrion Row. The decor is old-school, moody French bistro. The service – courteous and unpretentious. The food – excellent. I haven’t tried it for brunch yet, but with this offer, I’m definitely going to give it a go. How about Steak, eggs & chips, Sardines on Toast (hmmm, not sure about that one), Bourbon & Fig French Toast (you had me at Bourbon :-)). The menu offers something more that the usual Eggs Benedict, so perfect if you want to make a change from your ususal. The offers gives 2 courses for 2 people for €25. Pretty brilliant, eh? If you don’t get to go to brunch, you should seriously consider their early-bird menu for €22.50 for two courses, or €28.50 for three courses. Methinks, you’ll like it a lot. Check out the offer & sample brunch menu here.Restaurant Website: https://www.hugos.ie/